ACCESS - Students with Disabilities

Access Program ǀ Founded in 1979

The Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) defines a disability as any mental, physical or learning condition that substantially limits any major life function. The A.D.A. mandates access to higher education for those self-identifying as disabled. Cuyahoga Community College serves about 1,700 students and visitors with disabilities annually.

The students who choose Tri-C do so because of its continued commitment to serving their needs.

The Access Program supports students with disabilities at any Tri-C campus, site, location or online course. Common disability types include learning disabilities, sensory limitations, psychiatric conditions, physical mobility conditions and chronic health issues. All matters related to a person’s disability are kept confidential.

To receive services, students must schedule an intake appointment with an Access student advisor and provide documentation of disability.

Typical academic disability accommodations include extended time for testing, assistive hardware and software, sign language interpreters, disability advising, advocacy and referral to appropriate College programs and community agencies.

Service Animals

Service animals are welcome at Cuyahoga Community College. The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) defines service animals as an animal trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. A student with a disability who wishes to use a service animal must contact the Access Office to discuss the needed resources, information, and/or requested disability accommodations. The Access Office will review documentation and grant accommodation when appropriate for the use of the animal. Service animals are subject to local and state laws and ordinances to the extent that those laws and ordinances do not conflict with the ADA or interpretations of the ADA by the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights. Service animals are permitted to accompany an individual with a disability in all areas where the public is normally permitted, which may include areas where non-service animal pets are prohibited. The service animal must be under the care and control of its handler at all times. Service dogs, as defined by the Department of Veteran Affairs, are also welcome at Cuyahoga Community College. Cuyahoga Community College does not permit emotional support animals at any College location.